Mammoth Timeshttp://www.mammothtimes.com/node/1320/atom/feed2011-03-02T01:04:21-05:00Inyo National Forest names its new supervisorhttp://www.mammothtimes.com/content/inyo-national-forest-names-its-new-supervisor2011-03-02T01:04:21-05:002011-03-02T01:04:21-05:00editor

Ed Armenta, who spent his youth in Southern California and hiked, fished and camped in the Eastern Sierra, is coming home to the Inyo National Forest.

This time, it is as its new supervisor, replacing Jim Upchurch, who left last October.

“It has been a lifelong dream to live and work in the Eastern Sierra,” Armenta said in a press release Tuesday afternoon.

“I am delighted to have been selected as the supervisor of one of the most beautiful national forests in the nation, with the huge abundance of recreation opportunities that it offers.”

Ed Armenta, who spent his youth in Southern California and hiked, fished and camped in the Eastern Sierra, is coming home to the Inyo National Forest.

This time, it is as its new supervisor, replacing Jim Upchurch, who left last October.

“It has been a lifelong dream to live and work in the Eastern Sierra,” Armenta said in a press release Tuesday afternoon.

“I am delighted to have been selected as the supervisor of one of the most beautiful national forests in the nation, with the huge abundance of recreation opportunities that it offers.”

Currently Armenta is the District Ranger of the Payson District of the Tonto National Forest in Arizona.

During his last 10 years as District Ranger, he also spent time on details as Acting Forest Supervisor on both the Lincoln and the Kaibab National Forests, in New Mexico and Arizona respectively.

A reporting date for Armenta has not been set yet, but it is anticipated to be this spring Jon Regelbrugge will continue to serve as Acting Forest Supervisor until Armenta arrives.

Armenta began working for the Forest Service as a wildlife biologist trainee on the Plumas National Forest in Northern California in 1981, and moved to the Sequoia National Forest in 1990.

He was promoted to Arizona serving as a Deputy District Ranger on the Prescott National Forest before becoming a District Ranger on the Tonto National Forest in 2000.

Forest Service officials noted that Armenta is particularly strong in working collaboratively with others to find common ground solutions and working in team settings. He has been actively engaged in EEO and Civil Rights programs, and has a strong fire and fuels management background.

Armenta and his wife Tambra have three grown daughters and one granddaughter.